Almost everyone has experienced it: You cook, get briefly distracted – and suddenly the food is burnt. But is that just a taste issue or is it also a health concern?
Burnt food can actually contain harmful substances. When food is heated strongly, potentially carcinogenic substances such as acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed. Particularly carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, potatoes, or cereal products are prone to acrylamide formation.
What are acrylamide and PAHs?
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Acrylamide occurs when carbohydrate-rich foods are heated strongly at high temperatures (above 120°C). This substance can particularly form during frying, roasting, or baking. Acrylamide is classified as potentially carcinogenic and should be avoided as much as possible.
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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) "form when organic material, such as fat or proteins, burns under high heat exposure. These substances are particularly present in heavily grilled or burnt meat and can be harmful to health in the long term."
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Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) "They primarily occur during the preparation of meat at very high temperatures. They are formed by the reaction of proteins with extreme heat and can increase the risk of cancer."
What foods should one stop eating?
Some burnt foods are more critical than others:
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Potato products (fries, chips, fried potatoes) – High acrylamide content
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Cereal products (toast, pizza, cookies) - May also contain acrylamide
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meat & fish – May contain PAHs and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs)
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vegetables & fruits – Usually less problematic, but strongly burnt is also inedible.
In principle: The blacker and more charred the food, the higher the likelihood of harmful substances.
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Can burnt food be saved?
"Not everything has to end up in the trash. Sometimes it's enough to generously remove the burnt spots. Here are some tips:"
- For bread or toast: Scrape off the charred layer with a knife.
- With fried potatoes or vegetables: Throw away the burnt pieces, the rest is usually still edible.
- For meat: Cut off charred spots, but if heavily burnt, it's better not to consume.
How can you avoid burnt food?
To avoid future kitchen mishaps, these tips will help:
- Use lower temperatures – Especially for fatty or carbohydrate-rich foods
- Stir regularly – Especially for soups, stews, or sauces
- Set kitchen timer – Prevents forgetting the food
- Use baking paper or pans with non-stick coating – Reduces sticking
Eat or throw away?
Slightly burnt food is generally harmless if the charred parts are removed. However, heavily burnt food should not be consumed to avoid health risks. Those who regularly pay attention to gentle cooking can avoid acrylamide and other harmful substances and enjoy healthy meals.